Dig For Your Own Opals At This One-Of-A-Kind Mine In Nevada
The black opal is one of Nevada’s most iconic gems. Found in abundance in the Silver State, you’ll find it most concentrated in the Virgin Valley. The valley—tucked away in the northwest corner of the state—is famous for its precious opal beds and remote scenery. If you’ve ever dreamed of digging for your own treasure, then a visit here is a must! There are several opal mines to choose from in the region, but you can’t go wrong with Bonanza Opal Mine. Gather the family and spend the day digging for beautiful opals. This is an adventure that everybody can love!
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Rockhounds have been flocking to the Virgin Valley to dig up precious black opals since the early 1900s. You can do the same when you pay a visit to Bonanza Opal Mine near Denio, Nevada.
Surrounded by wide open spaces and rugged scenery, the opal mine is as remote as can be. However, it's SO worth the journey. Opal digging is a fun activity that anybody, both young and old, can enjoy.
Take a day to explore the wide-open landscape of the Virgin Valley. The mine is open to anyone and everyone—no experience necessary. You'll be shown exactly what to look for and how to see it, and they even have small rakes available to rent (or you can bring your own.)
Other mines in the valley are comprised of hard clay. However, Bonanza Mine contains dry and rocky soil, making digging both easy and fun. You could easily spend hours upon hours digging for precious treasures before calling it a day.
Black Fire Opals are absolutely stunning, so it's no wonder it's considered our state's official gemstone. In fact, the Virgin Valley is one of the only places in the world you'll find these breathtaking gems. The result of 14 million years of heat and pressure, you'll be glad to go home with a pocketful of these beauties.
The mine is open to the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. They operate from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Thursday through Monday during this time. The fee to dig is $70 per person, but kids under 12 are free to dig with a paid adult.
Bonanza Opal Mine is a humble operation in seemingly the middle of nowhere. However, you'll find that immense amounts of fun await you here, so plan a trip here soon. More information can be found on their website here.
What do you think? Will you be visiting Bonanza Opal Mine this digging season? For more unique attractions, check out our list of 15 Adventures You Can Only Have In Nevada.
